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Registration opens for Elevate, the 2026 AIFD National Symposium

Registration is now open for the American Institute of Floral Designers’ 59th annual national symposium.

Far more than an ordinary flower show, the Elevate symposium will showcase a lineup of world-renowned industry educators. Attendees can look forward to inspiring main stage programs, dynamic hands-on workshops, insightful lecture sessions and more.

The official symposium brochure is available online.

Registration is available through the symposium website.

AIFD is offering a payment plan for those who wish to pay for their symposium registration in smaller monthly payments. Attendees can select all their desired symposium experiences now and then make monthly payments through May 15, 2026. Information on this payment option is available on the registration site. Those who prefer to pay for their entire registration at the time of purchase may still select that option.

AIFD is pleased to again provide several registration options to maximize the symposium experience.

  • Premium registrations: Best value. Includes all main stage programs, a wide variety of optional lecture sessions and special programming, the Industry Showcase, hospitality events, and the Awards and Induction Gala and Leadership Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Sam Demma.
  • General registrations: Great value. Includes all main stage programs, a wide variety of optional lecture sessions and special programming, the Industry Showcase and hospitality events. Does not include the Awards and Induction Gala or the Leadership Luncheon.
  • Showcase or educational day pass: Good value. Includes access to the Industry Showcase or main stage programs, lecture sessions, special programming and hospitality events scheduled for the selected day. Does not include the Awards and Induction Gala or the Leadership Luncheon.
  • Additional education experiences: Optional hands-on workshops, master classes and immersive opportunities are available for purchase. To purchase these, you must have either a premium or general symposium registration or a specific educational day pass.
  • Meal-only tickets: Individual meal tickets for the Awards and Induction Gala and for the Leadership Luncheon can be purchased separately for guests and do not require a symposium registration. Meal tickets do not provide access to any symposium education or showcase events.

AIFD offers special discounted member pricing for AIFD, CFD and industry partner members, as well as non-member rates for all industry professionals and floral enthusiasts.

Membership is not required to attend. The AIFD symposium is open to everyone who wishes to be inspired and captivated by the beauty and artistry of floral design.

Registration pricing can be found in the official symposium brochure and on the registration site.

Where to stay

Guests will enjoy discounted accommodations at the host hotel, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Symposium attendees will experience exceptional value within the secured discounted room block when booking their reservations directly through the exclusive AIFD hotel link.

Standard king and double rooms are available at the discounted rate of $199 plus tax and fees per night, plus a $25 per night resort fee.

Room availability is limited. The AIFD discounted room block is available through June 8, 2026, or until all rooms are sold out.

The reservation includes:

  • In-room complimentary basic Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary access to the fitness center
  • Continued shuttle service to all four Disney theme parks and Disney Springs
  • Discounted resort fee

Other experiences in Orlando

Visit Orlando has created a special webpage for AIFD symposium attendees with discounts and travel information.

For international visitors

Wait times for visa applications may vary. AIFD strongly recommends that attendees begin the application process as early as possible to avoid delays, which could impact registration opportunities and cause cancellation fees.

Attending a professional event like the AIFD symposium is a recognized activity under the B-1 or B-2 visa category.

Attendees who plan to participate in the 2026 PFDE session and need a letter of invitation should contact [email protected]. Letters may take up to five business days to complete.

For more U.S. visa information, visit travel.state.gov.

2026 Ambassador Experience

The Ambassador Experience is open to those new to the floral industry, attending the symposium for the first time or simply eager to be part of something bigger.

As an AIFD symposium ambassador, you will:

  • Work alongside industry leaders and creative visionaries
  • Gain hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience
  • Build lasting friendships and professional connections
  • Receive one discounted general registration ($579)
  • Receive a special volunteer gift bag

Prerequisites:

  • Submit an ambassador application form by May 1, 2026
  • Be prepared for physical activity (standing, walking, lifting, carrying)
  • No floral design experience is required — just enthusiasm, teamwork and a can-do attitude
  • Must be 18 or older

Eligibility:

  • Open to the first 50 applicants who complete registration
  • Everyone is welcome — floral design skills helpful but not required
  • Note: AIFD national or regional board and committee members, PFDE candidates, certified evaluators participating in the PFDE session, SAIFD members and FFA attendees are not eligible to participate in the ambassador program

Commitment:

  • The Ambassador Experience runs June 29-July 6, 2026
  • Attend required orientation and training session
  • Volunteer five hours per day for five days (schedule allows participation in other symposium events)
  • Choose a shift: June 28-July 3 or July 2-July 6

The deadline for ambassador applications is May 1, 2026. The deadline to register as an ambassador at the discounted rate is May 15, 2026.

2026 sponsor opportunities and Industry Showcase

Symposium sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more details on how to participate as an elite or blossoming symposium sponsor and how to participate in the AIFD Industry Showcase, email [email protected].

As a symposium sponsor, a company will have the unique opportunity to share its brand with hundreds of qualified buyers and decision makers.

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